Nature Discovery Centre

About the museum

The Nature Discovery Centre is a visitor centre and nature reserve run by the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) at Thatcham in Berkshire, between Thatcham and Newbury. The site covers about 35 hectares and combines woodland, an orchard, a lake and reedbeds.

Inside the visitor centre, interactive wildlife and natural history displays introduce the animals and habitats of the area. Outside, waymarked walking routes lead around the lake and through the woodland, and two bird hides overlook the water and woodland. Wintering wildfowl gather on the lake in autumn and winter, and purpose-built rafts attract breeding common terns in spring and summer.

The centre also has a lakeside café, a gift shop and an adventure playground, and it hosts a year-round programme of family events, guided bird walks and activities for young children and teenagers. The nearby Thatcham Reedbeds, one of the largest areas of inland reedbed in southern England, can be visited as well.

Highlights

• Interactive wildlife and natural history displays in the visitor centre
• Lake, woodland, orchard and reedbed habitats on a 35-hectare site
• Two bird hides over the lake and woodland
• Lakeside café, gift shop and adventure playground
• Wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly Red Trail with a mobility vehicle to borrow

Permanent exhibition

• Visitor centre displays – Interactive wildlife and natural history displays about the animals, plants and habitats of the area.

Operated by

Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free; donations are welcome at donation stations in the visitor centre.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The visitor centre, café and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users. The paths around the lake are flat and level, and the Red Trail around the lake suits wheelchairs and pushchairs. A mobility Tramper vehicle can be borrowed on a first come, first served basis (online booking or phone for same-day; a donation of £5 per hire is suggested). Other paths have gentle slopes, gates and unsurfaced sections that can become muddy.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Adventure playground, picnic areas, baby changing facilities and regular events such as Nature Tots, the Nature Nook play café, Young Rangers and Teen Rangers, plus holiday trails.

Getting there & parking

Located between Thatcham and Newbury, a short distance off the A4. Satnav postcode RG19 3FU; what3words shadow.statue.hello.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Lakeside café and a gift shop with wildlife-themed gifts, toys and books. Dogs on a lead are welcome in the café, shop and reserve.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Lakeside Room, can be hired for events, meetings and conferences.

Plan your visit